There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to causing heart disease, cancer and premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand smoke also causes sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and ear infections in infants. Concentrations can be especially high in cars. This update reviews current bans under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and concludes that protection from secondhand smoke in Ontario is comparable to that of other Canadian jurisdictions, except for those with a complete ban on smoking on open patios. Protection from secondhand smoke in various international jurisdictions is also reviewed. The World Health Organization says only 5% of the world’s population is adequately protected.
Related publications:
- Prohibition of Tobacco Sales In Specific Places – 2010 Monitoring Update
- Retail Display of Tobacco Products – 2010 Monitoring Update
- Youth Access to Tobacco Products – 2010 Monitoring Update
- Litigation against the Tobacco Industry – 2010 Monitoring Update
- Tobacco Taxes – 2010 Monitoring Update
- Tobacco Control Funding Commitments – 2010 Monitoring Update
Date: August 2010
Type of Publication: Monitoring Update